Join NMEA board member Sean Russell for the 5th anniversary Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, which will be held on Saturday, November 14 at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla.! This event will provide young people with a unique opportunity to learn about current threats to marine ecosystems, develop action plans for their own conservation projects to address these issues in their local communities, and take part in special training sessions designed to give them the skills necessary to make these projects successful. Registration for this event, as well as the full summit details, is now available.

In celebration of the 5th anniversary of the Summit, the Community Ocean Conservation Film Festival will kick-off the weekend at Mote Marine Laboratory on the evening of November 13. This event will feature the award-winning film Shark Girl, which follows the powerful story of twenty-one year old Madison Stewart, and her work to save sharks. Admission to this event is free, but seating is limited and attendees must RSVP by completing the registration form. This event will also feature remarks from renowned shark conservation advocate, Wendy Benchley, a showcase of youth-driven ocean conservation projects and artwork, and a silent auction/raffle fundraiser.